Coronavirus vaccine: Consultations at the COVID-19 vaccination clinic in Houston’s Minute Maid Park completed in minutes

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) – As the city of Houston deals with the COVID-19 crisis, one of Houston’s sporting monuments became a vaccination site on Saturday, and new appointments are available in minutes.

All 1,000 new appointments at Minute Maid Park were completed shortly after they were added by the Houston Department of Health for people who meet Phase 1A or Phase 1B criteria.

Mayor Sylvester Turner said a new shipment of the Modern vaccine arrived at the Houston Department of Health earlier than expected this week. Due to childbirth, 3,600 vaccines were administered on Saturday, which is three times the number administered last Saturday at the Bayou City Event Center clinic.

“There is still a big hesitation in vaccination in our city,” said Turner. “I want people to know that it is important for them to take advantage of the vaccine. We have had many conversations about this new variant out there, or variants, there may be more than one and therefore it is really important now that people take the vaccine and then let us do it as soon as possible. “

WATCH: Houston city leaders draft a plan to increase vaccine availability

The secretariat has partnered with the Astros Foundation to operate the landmark as a vaccination post for COVID-19, but it is only open to those who already have an appointment.

“This could not have happened without voluntary efforts,” said Twila Carter, of the Astros Foundation. “It’s great to be at Minute Maid Park here today to hear people’s buzz, you know. We are ready to put baseball back in action here, and the only way to do that is by giving everyone the shots.”

The health department’s Bayou City Event Center clinic is closed for an unrelated weekend event. The nominations originally scheduled for that facility are being honored at Minute Maid Park.

READ MORE: Track the availability and progress of the COVID-19 vaccine in Houston

“The city of Houston is working 24 hours a day to bring the COVID-19 vaccine to the public based on the available supply. Unfortunately, we are not in control of the vaccine supply and we must schedule local vaccines based on the delivery of the vaccine,” he said. Turner.

He accessed Twitter on Friday to clarify that the clinic at Minute Maid Park is not a “vaccine megasite”.

The health department is contacting the people in its appointment queue to inform them of the new location and will provide instructions on what to do when you arrive. Appointments are made by the end of January based on the department’s current vaccine quota, and no additional appointments are being made, according to the city.

Appointments are based on vaccine availability, and current appointments can be adjusted based on the department’s quota.

On Thursday, January 7, the health department received a total of 13,800 doses of vaccines and administered 8,169 doses at locations including the Bayou City Event Center along with Northside, La Nueva Casa de Amigos, Sharpstown and Sunnyside health centers. .

The department also transferred 1,900 doses to other providers. The health department will announce additional vaccination opportunities at its health centers, multiple service centers, community locations and through mobile units as supply increases.

You can also check with your local primary care provider and pharmacy, or the Texas State Department of Health’s COVID-19 vaccine availability map.

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